Skip to main content Skip to accessibility
This website is not compatible with your web browser. You should install a newer browser. If you live in Jersey and need help upgrading call the Government of Jersey web team on 440099.
gov.je

Information and public services for the Island of Jersey

L'înformâtion et les sèrvices publyis pouor I'Île dé Jèrri

Listed building or place reference: PE0249

Historic site reference
Property
St. Matthews Church
Road name
La Rue de la Ville au Bas
Parish
St. Peter
Location
View on map
Grade
Listed Building Grade 3
Category
Church and Chapel.
Statement of significance
Imposing granite church of 1872, in French thirteenth century Gothic Revival style with handsome vaulted interior and west tribune gallery. The church forms the centrepiece of an important group of historic buildings - presbytery, school, convent and burial ground. The complex straddles the parish boundary of St Peter and St Mary and was built to serve the needs of the scattered population of French Catholics on the west side of the Island.
Context
n/a
External Description
The church is built of granite rubble with a renewed slate roof. Nave, transepts, chancel, western integral tower and spire. West front has central gabled entrance with carved tympanum, paired lancets and oculus above, tower with lancet louvres and lucarnes, spire surmounted by stone cross. Narrow high-level lancet windows to the three bays of the nave, the bays marked by separate buttresses; a side entrance in the central bay on the north side. Short transepts with angles buttresses and paired lancets in the north and south gable elevations. To the east of this one bay with a sexfoil roundel on each side over the side chapels, lancets to the canted bays of the east end. To the south of the church is the former 1872 presbytery (now 'Oasis of Peace') - well constructed in granite to match the church. New slate roof with rendered stacks to main house, and tall yellow brick stack to east annex; casement dormer windows. Mostly 12 pane sash windows with some pvc to rear. Replacement exterior doors. There is a representation of the Grotto at Lourdes built against its north east angle. To the west of the church is the former 1872 school. Also built of matching granite, it is two storey high with wide arched windows below and 12 pane sashes above. Replacement exterior doors.
Internal Description
The interior of the church is of interest. Refurbished 2008. The nave is of three bays, re-plastered with the lower third of the wall plasterboard covering rubble granite. Above this a cornice, and pilasters dividing each bay, from which spring quadripartite plastered groin vaults. Transverse arches and giant pilasters frame the crossing. The transepts and east end are also vaulted. There is a gallery across the west end (modern safety railings added to front) and above and behind this a raised tribune with three arched openings. Interior with new painted decorative scheme. Furnishings: 19th century French stained glass, some figurative and some of geometrical/foliage design, designer and manufacturer not established (refurbished 2008). White marble altar, with central carved frontal depicting the Meal at Emmaus moved forward to allow for westward celebration. Lady Chapel in south chapel, Resurrection Chapel to north. Fairly plain pine pews in nave. The interiors of the former presbytery and school buildings are not included within the listing.
Special interest
Architectural,Historical

For the best experience, you will need to use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge web browser to view the map

Back to detail page

Documents

The plans, drawings and material provided have been submitted to the Chief Officer for permissions in respect of the Planning and Building (Jersey) Law 2002. They are protected by copyright under the Intellectual Property (Unregistered Rights) (Jersey) Law 2011 (Article 70 of the 2011 Law).

The material is being provided to make available for public inspection the Register of Planning and Building Applications and must not be used for other purposes without the prior permission of the copyright owner.

The Minister for the Environment makes every effort to maintain the accuracy of the information on this website but cannot accept responsibility for and disclaims all responsibility for any loss or damage which may arise from the use of the information provided.

For applications approved during or after July 2016 approved documents are available from within the ‘Approved Documents’ section. For applications approved from 15 May 2012 - July 2016 approved documents are available under the ‘Plans’ section.

I understand and agree with the terms and conditions.
Date
Description
Size
Back to top
rating button